#still bitter that she was not with Aldhelm in her last moments

[lord-aldhelm]

Aldhelm | The Last Kingdom 5.04 (Part 1)

[aadmelioraa]

Dealer's choice: Pinky swear or grabbing the other’s hand so they don’t fall for Aldrik

Uhhhh so I did the former and it ended up in vaguely 18th century trappings. Just imagine them in silly little waistcoats and breeches. Also the subtext is Aldrikflaed, which will surprise no one.

The tower of playing cards wavers slightly, then steadies. Erik holds his breath, and gently places the last card on top. It’s as lofty a structure as he’s ever managed, and he barely restrains a cry of victory when he pulls back his hand and the tower remains intact. 

His victory is short-lived, for the door opens suddenly and a gust of air from the hallway sending the cards flying.

“I see you’re making as good a use of your time as ever,” Aldhelm says, lifting his eyebrow in a devastating fashion—well, it would have been devastating, had Erik still been capable of caring what Aldhelm thought of him. That ship had sailed some time ago—the day after Erik had arrived at the palace, in fact.

Erik grins, unbothered. “Admit it, you're jealous of my skill as an architect.”

Aldhelm rolls his gaze towards the ceiling. “I can assure you that is not the case.”

“Well, if not to admire my talents, why are you here?”

“I am sent to bid you to Princess Aethelflaed’s parlour,” the long-suffering advisor replies. Erik covers his laugh with a cough. Aldhelm’s expression does not change. “If you intend to decline—“

“I don’t,” Erik says, rounding the table. “You’re in a mood.” He tugs at his lapels as he passes Aldhelm, who steps back to allow him a wide berth. “And what sort of mood is she in today?”

“Monitoring Princess Aethelflaed’s moods is hardly my responsibility,” Aldhelm replies coolly, falling into step beside him. 

“I would have thought it was your primary responsibility.”

“It is not, nor is minding her childish suitors.”

“You remain bitter that I number among them and you do not.”

Aldhelm is surely, at this point, wearing an unbearably haughty expression. “It may be difficult for you to imagine, but the princess and I have primarily political dealings. It’s an insult to her to imply otherwise.”

Erik turns on his heel towards Aldhelm. “If politics are all you care about, you must admit I’m the best choice she could make in a husband. No other alliance could provide her with the stability and resources that I can. That must have occurred to you.”

Aldhelm blinks slowly, his expression stoic. “There are certainly worse options, personal attributes aside.”

“Very well, then,” Erik says, tilting his head. “If I'm not sent packing by the end of the week—which I won’t be—and another better candidate doesn’t appear—which he won’t—then you will agree to help me win her over.”

Aldhelm breathes a half-hearted laugh, his eyes narrowing. “What makes you so sure I’ll agree to this?”

“It’s inevitable,” Erik says, clapping Aldhelm on the shoulder. “You and I both know that she’s wasting her time with these other princes. And I do find you useful, if unpleasant to look at. I won’t attempt to undermine you, which is not true of the others.”

“You’re hardly clever enough to undermine me, even if you wanted to.”

“Exactly.” Erik bares his teeth in a smile and holds up his right hand, extending the smallest finger. “Let’s swear to help each other, if we both survive the week.”

Aldhelm gives him a look which is more grimace than smile, but he matches Erik’s gesture and they twine their extended fingers together. “Very well then.”

They hold the pose for a moment, eyes locked on each other, Erik still grinning, Aldhelm glaring, then proceed towards their destination as allies.

[lauwrite1225]

Vagabond || Finan the Agile || The Last Kingdom || Chapter 6.

Her life was falling apart. She was like a vagabond. Nowhere to return until she had fulfiled her objective. But maybe. Maybe, he was her home.

The story is available with the cast on my Wattpad account : LauFrye

If you want to be tagged for the next chapters, tell me and I will !

Word count : 1316

The church was full of Lords and Ladies of all Wessex and Mercia. As far as she could remember, Wenyld had never seen so much high-ranking people reunited. This marriage was of the utmost importance and she couldn't still understand what could have kept Elfstan from coming. Knowing her husband, she will probably never know.

She let out a sigh as she nervously played with her ring. The ceremony had to begin in few minutes and she still couldn't Finan. Maybe it was better like this? It must be. Aethelred entered the church with Aldhelm, a proud smile on his face. On the other side, King Alfred was looking quite anxious. The Lady couldn't help but smile. Her brother had the same look to her own wedding. She remembered Eadmund telling her he would ripped Elfstan's guts if he dared to hurt her. Hopefully, he never had to do that.

"The Lord Aethelred seems very happy to marry the Lady Aethelflead." Whispered Eadwynn in her ear. A bitter smile took shape on Wenyld's face, remembering his attitude the day before.

"Who wouldn't be happy to marry a princess?" She answered in a cold voice. She looked into Eadwynn's eyes who looked quite confuse by her tone. She wanted to add something, but her attention was drawn by the arrival of another Lord.

Uhtred of Bebbanburg walked into the small alley, a brunette woman holding his arm. Following them there was a priest who she remembered being Father Beocca, Aethelwold, the King's nephew and another woman with a strange beauty. Finally, there was Finan. The Irishman hadn't seen her yet, speaking with the man who called him few days ago. She bowed her head when the group took place in front of Eadwynn and her.

"Lady, the Irishman is staring at you." Whispered Eadwynn.

"Is he?" She couldn't help directing her gaze to him. She met his brown eyes. He smiled at her. This time there was no playfulness in it. It was just a soft smile. But she couldn't do the same. Not in front of everyone. She looked away, biting her lips. "What an annoying man." She said to Eadwynn.

"But he seems to like you, Lady."

"That's why he is annoying."

Three knocks announced the princess arrival. The Lady Aethelflead walked along the alley, her light blue dress drawling behind her. She was beautiful with her flower crown on her brown hair. She joined Aethelred in front of the King. As the ceremony began, Wenyld tried to keep her gaze far from Finan. She barely listened to Father Beocca's words, too concentrate to wonder if he was looking at her.

As soon as the ceremony ended, she tried her best to not cross his way, but in vain.

"Nice wedding, isn't it?" He said as he started to walk at her pace.

"Even if the groom is a turd?" He softly laughed. She didn't look at him, but she could easily imagine the curves of his turning into a smile.

"So, ya finally agree with me."

"That's not what I said." But that's what she thought. She left him, joining Eadwynn who was ahead.

...

Wenyld was sitting at a table where a drunk Lord was shouting his war's feat. He was funny and she hadn't laughed that much since a long time. It was probably the effects of the wine. It was late, Eadwynn had left the banquet an hour ago. It was the same for the newly wed couple. She wondered if the Lady Aethelflead was well. Her own wedding night wasn't what she hoped. Elfstan did not hurt her. He tried to be kind. But he was born cold and even if he tried, he was still cold. Lying with her husband was just duty. Nothing more.

Wenyld was taken out of her thought by someone sitting next to her. She turned her gaze and as soon as she recognized him, she felt her heart beat faster. "Finan." She said politely.

"Lady Wenyld." It was the first time he pronounced her name. It sounded different. Not only the accent but the tone of his voice. She stared at him as he smiled at her. His cheeks were a little red, surely because of the ale.

"Are you drunk?" Almost all the men in the hall were drunk, so why wouldn't he?

"Irishmen ain't tha' weak." He joked taking a sip of his cup. "Your husband wasn't here." He added, watching the other peoples.

"He wasn't." She admitted.

"Why?"

"He has important matters to deal with in Glastonbury."

"What matters?" He asked turning again to her.

"You are a curious man, Finan. This is not of your business." He laughed slightly as he drank again. Then, he handed her his cup. She hesitated a moment. Her mind telling her that she should refuse but her hand was definitely going to grab the cup. She felt the alcohol flow in her throat, letting an unpleasant burn. She winced and he chortled again.

"So, what will you do? Are ya goin' to stay in Winchester?" He asked as he rested his chin on his palm.

"For few days. Then I'll go back to Glastonbury." In facts, she didn't really know how long she will have to stay. Elfstan would probably send a letter when he'll want her back in Somerset. She hoped that this letter would come soon. She craved to see her daughter. But right now, this wish was far from her mind.

"I hope you'll still be there when I'll come back."

"What? Where are you going?" She frowned. He grinned at her confusion and concern.

"To Lunden. For royal matters." He replied.

"What happened in Lunden?"

"This is not of your business, I think." She sighed and diverted her gaze from his face. They remained silent for a moment before she got up. Finan imitated her, standing just in front of her.

"I am to leave." She said softly, captivated by Finan's brown eyes. Brown like the wood used for the fire. The idea warmed her. He gently took her hand and kissed it.

"Then, good night, Lady Wenyld." He let go of her hand.

"Good night, Finan." She quickly said before walked past him. As she walked through the palace's corridors, she pressed her hand on her lips. Her heart was beating so fast and her legs seemed her so limp. Was it the wine? Or just Finan. Probably both. But as she fell onto her bed, she hoped that it was all of his doing.

...

The next morning, she could still feel his lips on her hand. How is beard caressed her soft skin. She got up and walked to the window. Down, she could see soldiers getting ready to leave for Lunden. She quickly changed her clothes and went down the street. As she walked among the horses and the men, she searched Finan. She had no idea what she would tell him if she found him.

"Are ya looking for someone, Lady?" She almost jumped when he put his hand on her shoulder. She turned to him while he let his palm on her.

"No." He smiled. How could she be so bad at lying in front of him ? He slowly removed his hand, letting it slide down her arm. She shivered.

"Ya know, we will do only diplomacy. Don't worry." He said on a light tone.

"I don't. Anyway, I'm sure you are a good warrior." A smile appeared on her lips as the words left her mouth. They stay silent once again. But soon, it is broken by a voice ordering the soldiers to march. Finan leaned to her hear.

"Maybe we could fight when I’m back." He whispered, his breath caressing her neck. He walked away and got on his horse. He looked down to her, eyebrow rose, waiting her answer.

"Why not?"

Author's note: OMG this chapter took me so long ! But I kinda like it, we see a lot of Finan and Wenyld ;).